Best Smith Machine

Working out at home is an activity that not everyone enjoys, but those who do might end up liking it more than getting a monthly subscription to the local gym. After all, if you take your time and plan to invest enough money, you can purchase the exact machines that will help you obtain the body you want.

While some people out there might think that this could be a pricey plan, it does not have to be: it will all come down to which brands you decide to buy and what type of machines, as well. While home gyms might be expensive, some workbenches and Smith machines can be more affordable.

Note that we say some because, of course, you can run into a certain machine that is way past what you can buy, and that is not all that bad because you still have many other options that are as great as the most expensive ones. Remember that price not always goes in hand with quality, and that is exactly what we will be trying to show you through these Smith machine reviews.

Although you reading this article might be an indication that you already know what a Smith machine is, we will still offer an overall idea for those who are barely entering the home gym world and would like to know the options better before compromising with a certain machine.

A Smith machine is nothing more than a weight machine that is used specifically by those who do weight training. Generally, it has a fixed barbell that allows the user to do only vertical or almost-vertical movements, and while it can be used to perform different types of exercises, the most common one is that known as the Smith Machine Squat.

It is important to remark that nowadays Smith machines are much more complex than what they used to be, meaning that can come with diverse extensions and additions that broaden the exercise range, but the main “Smith” purpose stays the same: weight lifting in an relatively vertical direction.

Smith machines vary greatly according to the brand that manufactures them. This is something that you must keep in mind when tying to buy one for your home as sizes and weight capacity differs widely.

If you have decided that weight lifting is the type of training for you and are looking to buy a solid smith machine, you have come to the right place. In this rest of this article, we will be presenting a variety of the best brands on the market that sell Smith machines so you can consider each of them and choose one for yourself.

Below are some of the best solid smith machines sold online, their features, downsides and overall performance.

In addition, it has 20 adjustment levels so you can keep it in a way that you are comfortable with; the freeweight gunrack system has 14 lift-offs and racking positions that allow even more adaptability to how you want to train, and it also comes with adjustable safeties for both systems of the machine which help prevent most types of accidents.

The large diameter Smith bar weights 25 lbs, making it lightweight and easy to operate. It also responds quickly, as well as the rest of the machine. The assembled dimensions for this Smith machine is 84 x 78 x 70 inches (H x L x W).

A unique feature of this Series 7 model is its 7-degree reversed pitch, which allows the user to experience a more natural movement in both the upper and lower body.

However, one of its disadvantages is that the bar is not included and neither are the weights, although the latter is expected as it is normal for all home gyms. Lastly, the bench is poorly designed and might come out as uncomfortable even if it is made from high quality materials.

Overall, users of this model say it is a heavy duty product that should last a long time, and that its versatility and adjustability make it a great option among competitors. The price is not so low, but its solidity and functionality are worth the investment.

Body Solid Series 7 GS348Q

The Series 7 Smith Machine has a precise 7-degree angle that, combines with a 7-degree freeweight barbell, make up for a design that allows natural body movement, enhancing training and muscle building.

This model also comes with adjustable safeties that provide safety, a feature that is necessary when it comes to weight lifting. Moreover, the linear ball bearing system has 20 crossmember lock-out points that allow a safe and solid stop at any moment of the working routine.

The freeweight gunrack system has 14 lift-off and racking positions, same as the past model, and the weight capacity can easily go up to 400 lbs. The number of exercises that you can do with this simple machine is wider that what you would think, so if you are ever in need of some inspiration, a YouTube vide can give you a hand.

On the downsides, there is no pull-up bar option on this model and when it is not properly balanced, it can be very noisy. This is not necessarily a bad thing considering that hearing sounds coming from it mean that there is something to be fixed as this smith machine is generally smooth and quiet.

This is clearly a cheaper machine than the other Body Solid model, although they could not be more different. However, if you only have the money for a simpler equipment, it might not be a bad idea to start with one of these and upgrade your home gym later as you save more cash.

This model is made from the best that the Smith Machine Half-Cage and Multi-station Gyms have to offer. Safety for the user is provided by 20 crossmember lock-out points that can be accessed through a 15-degree rotational bar, thus eliminating the need for a spotter.

The freeweight gunrack also has 14 positions with 17-inch extra heavy duty safeties. Not only that, this Series 7 model is backed by the best warranty and a fully-integrated Quad-grip design that makes sure of a safer and easier performance than any of all the other icon cast plate in the fitness and health market.

This machine is best for those who are into chest and shoulder routines. The frame is cast in high quality gray iron that make up for a strong, durable and sturdy product that will definitely outlive you, with the proper maintenance.

What is special about this Body Build model is that it is one of the few, if not the only one, to actually come with weight plates! If you buy the combo pack in amazon, you will get:

2 x 45 lbs plates

2 x 35 lbs plates

2 x 25 lbs plates

2 x 10 lbs plates

4 x 5 lbs plates

2 x 2.5 lbs plates

We think that this an affordable and valuable machine that you can obtain for a fair price. In addition, the weight plates included feature is just great, and very unique among similar products that make you order additional plates if you do not have any.

PowerLine PSM144X Smith Machine

Powerline, the brand that sells this equipment, boasts of it being considered as a very multipurpose workout machine. Also, it is able to combine free weight power and machine safety, diminishing training risks.

In addition to that, this smith machine has a patented Super-Glide carriage that goes perfectly with the quartet of 12-gauge steel pillars, and features 14 lockout positions that can be adjusted according to what is safest according to your judgment.

This model brings spotter extensions that are useful when you are working out on your own. They have a scratch and rust resistant finish, and the assembled dimension of the whole machine is 76 x 80 x 45 inches (W x H x D).

The product comes with a 10-year warranty, but only for the frame. It uses four 2” x 2” 12-gauge steel pillars that support the weight plates, and the bar has a diameter of one inch. The majority of Olympic weight plates are adaptable with this frame, which is something good to have in mind.

On the downside, users do not seem so happy with this product, and some have even left hard reviews. Among the complains you can find that the top bar cannot be used for pull ups and chin ups because it is not round at all, and that the whole frame is unstable and that it might wobble a little.

Lastly, paint coming off the frame appears to be another problem. However, it is not a pricey smith machine and it is easy to assemble so if you are on a low budget, the PSM144X is not necessarily a bad choice!

Marcy Diamond Elite Smith Cage with Linear Bearings

This Marcy Diamond Elite Smith Cage is known for its affordable price. You can buy it through amazon for around $900, and it is eligible for Free Shipping.

This Smith machine is interesting because it comes with a workbench, as well, so if you want to buy strength equipment than can allow you to do more exercises but still has a great price, this choice can be what you are looking for.

The machine comes in silver and with 2-year Warranty limited on its parts. As with most of the rest of training equipment, the weight plates are not included but it comes with 6 Olympic plate storage pegs.

What it does include is a Lat Bat, Triceps Rope, Shiver Bar, Ankle Strap, a Chrome row handle and 2 single handles. A Leg developer and a Row/Curl handle are also part of this Marcy Diamond Elite Machine.

The machine itself works great, according to users. It has a diamond plated non-slip foot brace for seated exercises, and the bench comes with an adjustable sliding track that makes it easy to pop pin back the pad angle adjustment. The upholstery is two-toned vinyl, and the seat is made from high density foam.

It has a dual-function leg developer, and includes a low pulley for row exercises. These pulleys operate with an independent motion system. The total weight capacity of the tensile strength aircraft cable is 2000 lbs, and the nylon is 3 ¾ inches with sealed ball bearings.

However, you should keep an eye of them because they are the main complain among users: it appears to be that they stop working after some time, so you should do some maintenance on them every once in a while.

Great features include an off the flor base that contributes to enhanced stability, 6 oversized roller pads for better performance and a proper pivot point on the leg developer that isolates muscles while exercising.

It comes with safety stoppers and adjustable bar catches. The construction and frame are made from heavy duty tubular steel with a durable powder coated finish.

The total dimension of the assembled machine is 95 x 79 x 86 inches (H x W x D), so before getting one, make sure that it fits at home because it is quite big. But the price and the performance are both great so this is definitely a choice that we recommend you consider.

Valor Athletics Smith Machine

This is a Smith machine that does not bring a workbench, only the frame and four weight plate holders. The dimension of the assembled equipment is 53 x 73.25 x 80.5 inches (L x W x H), and the unloaded bar weight is 30lbs, which, evidently, goes up as you load it with weight plates.

The bar sleeves and plate holders accommodate any plates that have 2” holes, and the whole machine can hold up to 1000 lb in weight.

Among its interesting features are a super smooth vertical movement up and down the bar carriage, and a reverse pitch that ensures correct performance as you workout. With this machine you can do bench presses, chest presses, squats, lunges, military presses, should shrugs and many other exercises.

The rod is case hardened and it has linear bearings that ensure functionality on the machine. It does not include the counter balance mechanism, which you will have to buy separately, same as the weight plates.

What is good about the Valor Athletics is that it can hold both Olympic and normal weight plates, as long as they have a 2” hole. This is a great feature considering that some machines can only hold one of the two options.

Among the disadvantages is that, as we have mentioned before, you will have to boy the counter balance system, which adds up some money to the final price. Although it is not mandatory, if you know your routine and have your needs, you know for sure that it would be best if you bought one.

Another detail that some customers have complained about is the fact that the bar length is only 73 inches, 11 inches short from the normal 84” Olympic bar. It is important to note that, even with this relatively short length, the machine performs perfectly and the grip is wide enough.

This Valor Athletics Smith Machine by Ironcompany.com is a sturdy equipment that can be useful for those who like to keep their routines simple. If you already have a bench at home, a simple machine like this one can be a great addition.

Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer and Smith Station

As you can tell, this is by far the most expensive option we have included on this review. However, it is a different machine that also offers and brings particular features that make it cost that much, so let’s take a closer look and see if this machine is worth its price, just in case you have the money and would like to make a big investment.

As its name says, this is more of a Station than just a simple Smith machine. It includes a SCS bench, leg extension attachment and a leg kit. It also has dual weight stacks for the weight plates, which allows you to work each side of your body independently if you rather do that over working both sides at the same time.

It has a precision steel ball bearing system that works smoothly, and it can hold any commercial weight stack. What is great about it is that it has a magnetic weight pin that helps keep the plates where the belong. This is a great safety measure.

The final dimension of the whole machine is 61 x 58 inches (W x D), without the bench, and 61 x 89 inches (W x D) while the bench is unfolded. The height of the station when it is not in use is 83 inches, although when you are using it, it can go up to 88 inches.

The same brand sells attachments for this Smith machine, so if you are interested in upgrading it, you can order a 200 lbs weight stack upgrader, a preacher curl attachment or an abdominal bar through the same amazon store.

Unfortunately, there is little information about the upholstery or the bench system. We do know that you cannot do dips with this equipment, although it brings a triceps rope and D-handles for bicep curls and other exercises.

In conclusion, this Inspire Fitness Ft2 Smith Station might be expensive, but you will not get any better than this. It performs perfectly, brings a lot of accessories, can be upgraded, comes with a workbench, and is truly one of a kind.

If your budget happens to be this big, we suggest you get it. If it does not, keep reading to see more economical choices.

Yukon Linear Counter Balanced Smith Machine

The Linear Counter Balanced Smith Machine sold by Yukon can be purchased through their amazon store for $1,599.99.

This is a Smith machine that is constructed with 11-gauge heavy duty steel tubing and has 15 different height lock outs to maximize your workout experience.

The maximum weight capacity of this strength equipment is 1000 lbs, and it comes with a test knurled Olympic weight bar that comes with a counter balance system at 15 lbs, which is a great included feature.

This model also has linear bearing and self-spotting, and it brings 6 different weight holders that are covered with PVC for an easy performance and low maintenance. The weight plates it can hold have to be the Olympic type.

The assembled dimension of this Yukon Smith machine is 84 x 84 x 66 inches (H x W x D), so it is not that small! You will have to measure and see if it fits in the space you have designed for you new workout equipment.

The weight bar is included, but not the weight plates. In addition, some users have complained about assembly not being so straightforward, meaning that you will have to keep an eye on that when you order it.

The model that the brand is selling right now comes in silver color and customer all seem to agree that the machine is steady and can hold up a lot of weight without loosing stability. The ball bearing is also high quality and offer smoothness.

If you are interested in this machine, we can tell you that is high quality made from heavy duty steel, and that its construction is more commercial than other option. Overall, it is a great Smith machine.

Powerline PSM144XS Smith Machine Package

This model is similar to the other Powerline Smith machine that we reviewed about. The main difference is that this one comes with a workbench and broadens the exercises possibilities for your entertainment.

This Smith machine features a patented bushing system and super-smooth sliding carriages, and as you know by now, includes an adjustable bench, as well as a pec station, preacher curl station and lat row station, all in the same package.

The whole construction is made from a heavy-duty steel frame with reinforcement plates. It has a 150-pount weight stack and the assembled dimension is 76 x 85 x 45 inches (W x H x D).

One good thing about this PSM144XS is that if you like to accessorize your stations, you can truly do so with this model. It also comes with a variety of accessories than can help you develop different routines.

Another great feature is the safety measurement that the design brings. It includes 14 lockout point spaced 4 ½ inches apart and, of course, heavy-duty adjustable safeties that reduce risk while working out. It also has a heavy-gauge diamond footplate that prevents feet sliding.

Now, as for the disadvantages, we have that the press bars where you place your weight plates have a 1 inch diameter, so if you already own Olympic weight plates, they will be loose on this machine and you will have to secure them unless you want to hear a rattle while you train.

The warranty on the frame lasts 10 years, while the warranty on the parts lasts only one. However, both the parts and the whole of this machine work great and it will definitely last a long time.

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